[President Obama Announces 15 Appointees to Commission]]

PRESIDENT OBAMA ANNOUNCES APPOINTEES TO

THE PRESIDENT’S ADVISORY COMMISSION ON EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS

The White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans is excited about the appointment of 15 members to the President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans. As a complement to the outstanding leadership of Commission Chairman Dr. Freeman Hrabowski, the appointment of this dynamic group of people is a demonstration of President Obama’s commitment to help ensure all African Americans receive an education that properly prepares them for college, productive careers, and satisfying lives. We welcome the opportunity to work with the new members as we highlight and accelerate learning and development opportunities for students, schools, and communities.

"I've had the tremendous fortune of working with such great leadership. Dr. Freeman Hrabowski is deeply dedicated to the Initiative. His groundbreaking approach to using data to accelerate sound educational opportunities for all African Americans plays an invaluable role in moving us forward. I am excited to have access to more trailblazers in the field of education who are dedicated to giving all African Americans access to a sound education" says David J. Johns who serves as Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans.

Since the creation of this Initiative only one year ago, we have been building relationships and listening to members of the community to inform a strategy for advancing the goals of President Obama’s 2013 executive order. The appointment of the Commission brings an opportunity to extend our reach and advance our mission. Dr. Hrabowski shared “The President has appointed a very impressive group of leaders as commissioners. Executive Director David Johns and his staff have already identified critical issues needing our attention. I am confident that our work can lead to substantial academic progress for African Americans.”

In the coming months we plan to work closely with the new appointees to highlight strategies and programs working to develop and promote educational excellence in the Black community. We congratulate the appointees and are prepared to move forward with a shared vision for success.

 

The Appointees Are Listed Below:

Angela Glover Blackwell
Barbara T. Bowman
Gwendolyn E. Boyd
Walter G. Bumphus
James P. Comer
Al Dotson, Jr.
Akosua Barthwell Evans
Jim Freeman
Sharon J. Lettman-Hicks
Michael L. Lomax
Bryant T. Marks
Robert K. Ross
Doris A. Smith-Ribner
Ronald A. Williams
TyKiah R. Wright